Yogyakarta, June 29th, 2026 – The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) welcomed a team of assessors as part of the accreditation assessment for the Cultural and Media Doctoral Program conducted by the Independent Accreditation Agency for Social Sciences, Politics, Public Administration, and Communication (LAMSPAK) on Monday (June 29th). This assessment was part of the external quality assurance process to ensure that the program is delivered in accordance with national quality standards and also fostering continuous quality improvement.
The assessment was conducted by Prof. Dr. Suwandi Sumartias, M.Si. from Universitas Padjadjaran and Prof. Dra. Prahastiwi Utari, M.Si., Ph.D. from Universitas Sebelas Maret. Throughout the assessment, the assessors carried out a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of the doctoral program, by verifying supporting documents and also through in-depth discussions on the implementation of the academic system and the program’s governance.
The assessment began with an opening session, followed by the introduction of the assessment panel, the study program management, and the accreditation team. The assessors then conducted a series of confirmation sessions covering key aspects of the program, including governance, strategic development, the implementation of the Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI), performance achievements, and the validation of data presented in the Self-Evaluation Report (FED). The entire process was carried out systematically with intensive, evidence-based discussions to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the quality of the program’s academic implementation.
The assessment, in the afternoon, continued with interviews involving various stakeholders, including alumni, employers of graduates, faculty members, educational support staff, and students. These sessions were intended to gain comprehensive perspectives on curriculum implementation, academic services, the engagement of the academic community, and the relevance of graduates’ competencies to societal needs and the workforce. The active participation of these stakeholders reflects that the quality of the Cultural and Media Doctoral Program is built with collaboration of all parties involved in the delivery of higher education.
The assessment concluded with the presentation of feedback from the assessor panel, the signing of the Site Assessment Report, and a closing session attended by the leadership of the Graduate School and the accreditation team. The recommendations provided by the assessors will be used as an important component of the program’s evaluation and development, forming the basis for future quality enhancement initiatives.
The site assessment, for SPs UGM, is not merely viewed as a procedural step toward obtaining accreditation status. More importantly, it serves as an institutional moment of reflection to evaluate the effectiveness of governance, identify opportunities for further development, and strengthen a culture of quality through the principle of continuous improvement. SPs UGM regards every assessment process as part of its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education through objective, transparent, and sustainable evaluation, with the ultimate goal of producing graduates who are excellent, adaptable, and globally competitive.
Author: Sri Pangesti Tuhu
Editor: Burhanul Aqil, Intan Pratiwi